Reports had claimed that Clark was in the market for a centre-forward after Leroy Lita's temporary spell with the club was cut short yesterday because of a thigh injury.

However, Clark has conceded that a lack of funds is likely to scupper any potential deal.

"I think we're all acutely aware of how careful we have to be spending our money and making sure it's not only the right quality of player and right character who will fit in," said Clark. "We are scouring around and seeing what's about.

"I think the easiest way of putting it is this - how many clubs are going to let out their top strikers at this moment in time?